2012BernardBonin2012 Domaine Bernard-Bonin, Meursault, Les Tillets, White Burgundy, France.
This an exceptional Chardonnay, full of intensity, vitality and is gorgeously proportioned with vigorous acidity and density. The 2012 Bernard-Bonin Les Tillets is stunning and wildly beautiful in detail, finesse and is classic Meursault showing steely mineral, chalky stones and purity of fruit with layers of lemon, apple, peach, lime blossom and a touch of tropical essence along with salted cream, clove, hazelnut and hints of toast. This young Meursault is a driving force of nature with bracing citrus zest, sea notes, white fig and loads of extract making for an elegantly powerful white Burgundy that impresses and looks set to have a long and glorious life ahead of it. The Domaine Bernard-Bonin led by Veronique Bonin of the Michelot Burgundy clan and winemaker Nicolas Bernard, a new addition to Martines Imports and brand new to me is a small family estate, they grow and craft artisan wines, mostly bio-dynamic practices in the Cote de Beaune, and I understand it is just Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet owned plots, I tasted through the whole imported lineup from Bourgogne Blanc to Meursault Premier Cru, and all were lovely wines, this is a winery to start following, especially these nervy and graceful 2012 wines. The Les Tillets came of white marl, stony soils and that terroir is transparent in this beautiful Chardonnay which was aged sur lie in oak for about 18 months, and though the lees were not stirred (no batonage) there is loads of rich character and a hint of smoky wood, without question this is a sexy and top notch wine to savor over the next 5 to 10 years, drink from 2016 to 2024.
($68 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive

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